I offer a range of courses, lectures and workshops and tours, specialising in freehand machine embroidery
and related creative stitching techniques. Fortnightly courses offer an intensive exploration into
the creative world of Freehand Machine Embroidery.

Get to know your sewing machine and use it as a drawing tool to create individual designs.

Residential courses are on offer at West Dean College, Chichester, West Sussex,

ZOOM workshops offer worldwide accessibility.

 As a freelance tutor and lecturer, I travel nationally and internationally, visiting groups and guilds.

(see below for details of available courses)

WEST DEAN COLLEGE
West Dean, Chichester, West Sussex. PO18 0QZ
book on:- 01243 811301 www.westdean.org.uk

MACHINE EMBROIDERY INSPIRED BY ANTONI GAUDI
26th February - 1st March 2026

MACHINE EMBROIDERED LANDSCAPES
19th - 22nd November 2026

TEXTILE TOURS TO UZBEKISTAN, JAPAN & INDIA
    to book contact -  info@aahilyaholidays.com

SILK ROAD TEXTILE TRAIL - UNVEILING THE CRAFTS AND CULTURE OF UZBEKISTAN

29th March - 12th April  2026  - fully booked
 Discover the captivating tapestry of Central Asia, where history, culture, and exquisite craftsmanship intertwine.
Our Silk Road Textile Trail invites you to explore ‘Uzbekistan' - renowned for it's rich textile heritage.

A TEXTILE ODYSSEY THROUGH JAPAN
for information contact -
https://www.aahilyaholidays.com/tour/6f6a/a-textile-odyssey-through-japan-with-wendy-dolan

19th August - 1st September 2026
A cultural journey that showcases Japan's rich textile heritage. The tour explores traditional techniques like shibori (tie-dyeing), kimono recycling and weaving, alongside modern textile innovations. Visit textile museums, participate in hands-on workshops, and gain insight into the cultural significance of fabrics in Japan, offering a unique perspective on the country's craftsmanship and design.

EXPLORE THE TEXTILES OF WEST BENGAL
for information contact
https://aahilyaholidays.com/tour/0669/textile-tour-of-west-bengal-with-wendy-dolan-2027
30th January - 9th February 2027
Explore the rich textile heritage of West Bengal, including workshops on Kantha embroidery, batik, block printing, ecoprinting, and Shibori
 

ZOOM WORKSHOPS
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book on:-  01273 417178               e-mail  wendy@wendydolan.co.uk

WINTER LANDSCAPES
Sunday 1st February 2026       10am - 4pm        £50
Enjoy a workshop from the comfort of your own home. Inspired by the Winter Landscape you will layer coloured fabrics then work into
 them with freehand machine embroidery. Suitable for all levels of ability. A day of fun and creativity

FREEHAND MACHINE EMBROIDERY
Sunday 17th May 2026       10am - 4pm        £50
Learn how to set up your basic sewing machine for Freehand Machine Embroidery and have fun ‘drawing’ with thread. After practising different techniques and layering fabrics, you can create a small picture or panel   Suitable for beginners.

BRIGHTON SUMMER SCHOOL
Falmer Village Hall, South Street, Falmer, Brighton. BN1 9PT 
book on:-  01273 417178        e-mail  wendy@wendydolan.co.uk

ARCHITECTURE IN STITCH
      10th-14th August 2026     £350       
 Set in a beautiful location opposite the village pond in Falmer Village, Sussex - near the Universities of Sussex and
Brighton and the Amex Stadium. Enjoy a week of creative stitching..
 Free parking.
 

CREATIVE MACHINE EMBROIDERY

Court Bushes Community Hub, Willow Way, Hurstpierpoint,  West Sussex. BN6 9TH
book on:-  01273 417178               e-mail  wendy@wendydolan.co.uk

BEGINNERS & IMPROVERS
Wednesday   10.00am-3.30pm   (all day, alternate weeks)   12 weeks from October 2026     £450  
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ADVANCED
Wednesday   10.00am-3.30pm     (all day, alternate weeks)   12 weeks from October 2026      £450 

  

PATCHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE
Ladies Mile Road, Patcham, Brighton, East Sussex. BN1 8TA
book on:-  01273 417178            e-mail   wendy@wendydolan.co.uk

WORKSHOPS TO BE CONFIRMED

                          As a freelance tutor and lecturer I offer talks and workshops, both in person, and via Zoom

WORKSHOPS

       Creative Machine Embroidery for Beginners 
                                                                    Machine Embroidery Inspired by Indian Textiles                                                                
In The Meadow - Layer, Paint and Stitch (1 or 2 day +)
Layered Landscapes (1 or 2 day +)
Machine Embroidered Winter Landscapes / Autumn Landscapes
Architecture in Stitch (1 or 2 day +)
Machine Embroidered Book Covers
Machine Embroidered Bowls and Vessels - working with soluble fabrics
Machine Embroidered Lace - using soluble fabrics
Machine Embroidery inspired by Gustav Klimt (1 or 2 day +)
Machine Embroidery inspired by Antoni Gaudi (1 or 2 day +)
Machine Embroidered Flowers / Trees / Gardens

LECTURES

Creative Stitched Textiles
Indian Treasures - Inspiration from Indian Textiles
Interpreting Natural Forms in Embroidery
Art, Architecture and Stitch
Layer, Paint and Stitch - Exploring the techniques and ideas in my book.
A Change of Scale - The challenges of large scale commissions